A Progressive Lens Simulator comprises an Eye Tracker, for tracking an eye axis direction to determine a gaze distance, an Off-Axis Progressive Lens Simulator, for generating an Off-Axis progressive lens simulation; and an Axial Power-Distance Simulator, for simulating a progressive lens power in the eye axis direction. The Progressive Lens Simulator can alternatively include an Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator, for creating a Comprehensive Progressive Lens Simulation. The Progressive Lens Simulator can be Head-mounted. A Guided Lens Design Exploration System for the Progressive Lens Simulator can include a Progressive Lens Simulator, a Feedback-Control Interface, and a Progressive Lens Design processor, to generate a modified progressive lens simulation for the patient after a guided modification of the progressive lens design. A Deep Learning Method for an Artificial Intelligence Engine can be used for a Progressive Lens Design Processor. Embodiments include a multi-station system of Progressive Lens Simulators and a Central Supervision Station.
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1. A Progressive Lens Simulator, comprising: an Eye Tracker, for tracking an eye axis direction to determine a gaze distance; and an Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator, for generating a Comprehensive Progressive Lens Simulation (Comprehensive PLS) according to a progressive lens design by simulating a progressive lens power in the eye axis direction, in combination with generating an Off-Axis Progressive Lens Simulation (Off-Axis PLS).
Optical device simulation technology. This invention addresses the need for comprehensive and accurate simulation of progressive lenses, particularly considering off-axis viewing. The described system includes an eye tracker configured to monitor an eye's axis direction. This tracking allows for the determination of a gaze distance. The system also incorporates an integrated progressive lens simulator. This simulator is designed to generate a Comprehensive Progressive Lens Simulation (Comprehensive PLS) based on a specified progressive lens design. This simulation involves modeling the progressive lens power as it changes along the eye axis direction. Furthermore, the simulator is capable of simultaneously generating an Off-Axis Progressive Lens Simulation (Off-Axis PLS). This dual simulation capability provides a more complete representation of how the progressive lens functions across various viewing angles and distances.
2. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 1 , comprising: an Image Generator, for generating an image; and a Progressive Lens Simulator Processor, for transforming the generated image into a Comprehensive PLS signal according to the progressive lens design, and for coupling the generated Comprehensive PLS signal into the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator for creating the Comprehensive PLS.
Image processing and display systems. This technology addresses the challenge of accurately simulating the visual experience of wearing progressive lenses. A system is disclosed for generating a comprehensive progressive lens simulation signal. The system includes an Image Generator configured to produce an initial image. A Progressive Lens Simulator Processor is employed to process this generated image. This processor transforms the image into a Comprehensive PLS (Progressive Lens Simulation) signal, adhering to a specific progressive lens design. The resulting Comprehensive PLS signal is then coupled into an Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator. This integrated simulator utilizes the signal to create the final comprehensive progressive lens simulation, enabling a realistic representation of how an object will appear when viewed through a progressive lens.
3. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 2 , comprising: a pair of Integrated Progressive Lens Simulators, for providing a stereoscopic Comprehensive PLS for a first eye and for a second eye.
Optical simulation technology for correcting vision. The problem addressed is the need for an accurate and comprehensive simulation of progressive lenses (PLs) for both eyes to assess stereoscopic vision. This invention relates to a progressive lens simulator system. The system includes a pair of integrated progressive lens simulators. Each simulator is configured to provide a comprehensive progressive lens simulation for a respective eye, specifically a first eye and a second eye. The combined output from these two integrated simulators creates a stereoscopic comprehensive progressive lens simulation, allowing for the evaluation of binocular vision and stereopsis as experienced through progressive lenses. This integrated, stereoscopic approach enables a more realistic assessment of how progressive lens designs affect depth perception and overall visual experience for both eyes simultaneously.
4. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 2 , comprising: a stereoscopic alternating Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator, controlled by an image-alternator, for alternating the generating the Comprehensive PLS for the first eye, and subsequently for the second eye, with suitable stereoscopic adjustments.
This invention relates to a Progressive Lens Simulator (PLS) designed to simulate the optical effects of progressive lenses, which are used in eyeglasses to correct presbyopia by providing a gradual transition between distance and near vision correction. The problem addressed is the need for an accurate, stereoscopic simulation of progressive lenses to evaluate their performance in real-world conditions, particularly for binocular vision. The invention includes a stereoscopic alternating Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator, which generates a Comprehensive PLS for each eye sequentially. An image-alternator controls the simulation, alternating between the first and second eyes while applying stereoscopic adjustments to ensure proper binocular vision. This allows for a realistic simulation of how progressive lenses affect both eyes independently and together, accounting for depth perception and visual alignment. The system ensures that the simulation accurately reflects the optical properties of progressive lenses, including distortion and field-of-view changes, to assess their effectiveness in correcting vision. The alternating approach ensures that the simulation is synchronized with the user's natural eye movements, providing a more accurate representation of real-world use.
5. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 2 , wherein: the Progressive Lens Simulator Processor is configured to receive the generated image from the Image Generator; and to create an Off-Axis PLS signal-component of the Comprehensive PLS signal by introducing a locally varying blur into the generated image, representative of the progressive lens design.
A progressive lens simulator system generates and displays a simulated view through a progressive lens, such as a multifocal or varifocal lens, to evaluate its optical performance. The system addresses the challenge of accurately simulating the visual effects of progressive lenses, which vary in focal power across different regions, to assess their design before physical manufacturing. The simulator includes an image generator that produces a digital image representing a scene viewed through the lens. A processor receives this image and applies a locally varying blur effect to simulate the progressive lens's off-axis optical distortions. This blur effect is spatially adjusted to match the lens design, creating a signal component that, when combined with other simulated effects, produces a comprehensive representation of the lens's visual impact. The system may also incorporate additional adjustments, such as distortion or chromatic aberration, to further refine the simulation. The output is a realistic depiction of how the lens would perform in real-world use, aiding in design optimization and user testing.
6. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 2 , wherein: the Progressive Lens Simulator Processor is configured to receive the generated image from the Image Generator; and to create an Off-Axis PLS signal-component of the Comprehensive PLS signal by introducing a locally varying curvature into the generated image, representative of the progressive lens design.
A progressive lens simulator system generates and displays realistic visual effects of progressive lenses, which are eyeglass lenses with a gradual change in optical power to correct presbyopia. The system addresses the challenge of simulating how progressive lenses alter vision, particularly off-axis distortions that occur when looking away from the lens's central optical zone. The simulator includes an image generator that creates a digital representation of a scene, and a processor that modifies this image to replicate the optical properties of a progressive lens. The processor introduces a locally varying curvature into the generated image, simulating the progressive lens design's varying power across its surface. This modification produces an off-axis signal component that, when combined with other signal components, forms a comprehensive simulation of the lens's visual effects. The system allows users to experience and evaluate progressive lens performance in different viewing conditions, aiding in lens design, selection, and customization. The technology is particularly useful for optometrists, lens manufacturers, and patients in assessing lens suitability before production or purchase.
7. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 2 , comprising: a Vergence-Distance Simulator, for simulating a vergence for the displayed Comprehensive PLS at the gaze distance.
A progressive lens simulator system includes a vergence-distance simulator that adjusts the vergence of a displayed comprehensive progressive lens simulator (PLS) to match the gaze distance of a user. The system simulates the optical performance of progressive lenses by dynamically altering the vergence, which refers to the convergence or divergence of the eyes, based on the user's viewing distance. This allows for accurate simulation of how progressive lenses correct vision at different distances, such as near, intermediate, and far vision. The vergence-distance simulator ensures that the simulated lens behavior aligns with real-world conditions, providing a realistic representation of how progressive lenses perform under varying gaze distances. This technology is particularly useful in optometry and vision correction, where precise simulation of lens performance is critical for designing and evaluating progressive lenses. The system enhances the ability to test and refine lens designs before manufacturing, improving efficiency and accuracy in the development process.
8. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 7 , wherein: the Vergence-Distance Simulator is configured to simulate a vergence for the Comprehensive PLS at the distance by at least one of moving the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator dominantly laterally, and shifting the created Comprehensive PLS on the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator dominantly laterally.
A Progressive Lens Simulator (PLS) is used to evaluate and optimize progressive addition lenses (PALs) by simulating how a wearer's eyes interact with the lens at different viewing distances. A key challenge is accurately replicating the vergence (eye convergence) and accommodation (focusing) required for near and intermediate distances, which affects lens performance. The invention addresses this by enhancing a PLS with a Vergence-Distance Simulator that dynamically adjusts the lens position to mimic real-world eye movements. The system includes an Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator, which holds the lens and can be moved laterally to simulate vergence changes. Alternatively, the lens image itself can be shifted laterally on the simulator to achieve the same effect. This allows precise control over how the lens responds to different viewing distances, improving the accuracy of simulations for near, intermediate, and far vision. The invention ensures that the simulated lens performance closely matches real-world conditions, aiding in the design and testing of PALs.
9. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 2 , comprising: a Zoom-Distance Simulator, for zooming the Comprehensive PLS to represent a change in the gaze distance.
A progressive lens simulator system simulates the optical performance of progressive addition lenses (PALs) to help users evaluate different lens designs. The system addresses the challenge of visually assessing how progressive lenses perform at varying gaze distances and angles, which is difficult to predict without physical prototypes. The simulator includes a display that renders a virtual representation of a progressive lens, allowing users to interactively adjust parameters such as gaze direction and distance to observe how the lens corrects vision under different conditions. The system incorporates a zoom-distance simulator that dynamically adjusts the displayed lens representation to simulate changes in gaze distance. This feature enables users to observe how the lens's optical power varies as the wearer shifts focus between near and far objects. The zoom-distance simulator works in conjunction with other components, such as a gaze-angle simulator, to provide a comprehensive simulation of how the lens performs across different viewing scenarios. By adjusting the zoom-distance simulator, users can assess the lens's ability to provide clear vision at various distances, helping them select or design a progressive lens that meets their specific needs. The system is particularly useful for optometrists, lens designers, and manufacturers in evaluating and optimizing progressive lens performance before production.
10. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 2 , wherein: the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator comprises at least one of a Vergence-Distance Simulator and a Zoom-Distance Simulator.
The invention relates to a Progressive Lens Simulator designed to evaluate and demonstrate the optical performance of progressive lenses, which are used to correct presbyopia by providing a gradual transition between distance and near vision correction. The key challenge addressed is the need for a realistic simulation of how progressive lenses function in real-world scenarios, particularly in terms of vergence (eye convergence) and zoom (magnification) adjustments. The Progressive Lens Simulator includes an Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator that incorporates at least one of two specialized simulators: a Vergence-Distance Simulator and a Zoom-Distance Simulator. The Vergence-Distance Simulator replicates the natural eye movement and convergence required when focusing on objects at varying distances, allowing users to experience how progressive lenses adapt to different viewing angles and distances. The Zoom-Distance Simulator simulates changes in magnification, demonstrating how progressive lenses adjust focal length as the user shifts focus between near and far objects. Together, these simulators provide a comprehensive evaluation of progressive lens performance, helping users and optometrists assess comfort, clarity, and adaptability in real-world conditions. The system enhances the selection and fitting process for progressive lenses by offering a dynamic, interactive experience.
11. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 1 , wherein: the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator is configured to adjustably simulate the optical power of the progressive lens design in the eye axis direction by creating the Comprehensive PLS with light rays having a vergence related to the gaze distance.
A progressive lens simulator is used to evaluate and optimize progressive lens designs, which provide varying optical power across different regions to correct vision at multiple distances. The challenge is accurately simulating how these lenses perform under real-world conditions, particularly in the eye axis direction, where gaze distance affects optical power distribution. The simulator includes an integrated system that adjusts the simulated optical power of the progressive lens design by modifying the vergence of light rays. Vergence refers to the convergence or divergence of light rays as they enter the eye, which changes based on the distance of the viewed object. By creating a comprehensive progressive lens simulation (PLS) with light rays that account for this vergence, the system accurately models how the lens behaves when the wearer looks at objects at different distances. This allows for precise evaluation of the lens's performance across various gaze directions and distances, ensuring optimal vision correction. The adjustable simulation helps designers refine the lens to meet specific visual requirements.
12. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 1 , the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator comprising: a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MFMS) Laser Scanner, including a light source, for generating and projecting a light; and a scanning mirror, for reflecting and scanning the projected light.
A progressive lens simulator is a device used to simulate the optical performance of progressive addition lenses, which provide varying focal lengths across their surface to correct presbyopia. The challenge in designing such simulators is achieving precise and dynamic control over the light projection to accurately replicate the progressive lens effect. This invention describes an integrated progressive lens simulator that includes a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) laser scanner. The MEMS laser scanner comprises a light source for generating and projecting a light beam and a scanning mirror for reflecting and scanning the projected light. The scanning mirror dynamically adjusts the direction of the light beam to simulate the varying focal lengths of a progressive lens. The system allows for real-time adjustments to the light path, enabling accurate simulation of different progressive lens designs. The MEMS technology ensures high precision and rapid response, making the simulator suitable for applications in optical testing, lens design, and presbyopia correction evaluation. The integrated design enhances portability and ease of use while maintaining high performance.
13. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 12 , wherein: the light source is one of an LED, a collection of different color LEDs, a laser, a collection of different color lasers, and a digital light projector; and the MEMS Laser Scanner includes a first hinge system, and a second hinge system, optionally embedded in the first hinge system, for reflecting and scanning the projected light in two spatial dimensions.
A progressive lens simulator system simulates the optical performance of progressive lenses by projecting light through a lens and analyzing the resulting light distribution. The system addresses the challenge of accurately modeling progressive lenses, which have varying focal lengths across their surface, to optimize design and manufacturing. The simulator includes a light source, a lens holder, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) laser scanner, and a detector. The light source emits light that is directed through the lens and scanned across its surface by the MEMS scanner. The detector captures the light distribution, allowing for analysis of the lens's optical properties. The MEMS scanner includes a first hinge system and a second hinge system, which may be embedded within the first, to enable precise two-dimensional scanning of the projected light. The light source can be an LED, a collection of different color LEDs, a laser, a collection of different color lasers, or a digital light projector, providing flexibility in the type of light used for simulation. This configuration allows for detailed evaluation of how progressive lenses focus light at different points, aiding in the development of improved lens designs.
14. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 1 , the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator comprising: a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) Deformable Mirror, including a light source, for generating and projecting a light; and a deformable mirror, for reflecting and scanning the projected light.
A progressive lens simulator system is designed to simulate the optical performance of progressive addition lenses (PALs) for vision correction. The system addresses the challenge of accurately modeling progressive lenses, which provide varying focal lengths across their surface, to evaluate their effectiveness in correcting presbyopia or other vision impairments. The simulator includes a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) deformable mirror, which dynamically adjusts its surface shape to control light reflection and scanning. A light source generates and projects light onto the deformable mirror, which then reflects and scans the light to simulate the progressive lens effect. The deformable mirror's ability to alter its curvature allows for precise control over the light path, enabling the simulation of different lens prescriptions and progressive power profiles. This system provides a flexible and adjustable platform for testing and optimizing progressive lens designs without the need for physical prototypes, reducing development time and cost. The integration of the MEMS deformable mirror ensures high-resolution control over the light modulation, making it suitable for detailed optical performance analysis.
15. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 14 , wherein: the light source is one of an LED, a collection of different color LEDs, a laser, a collection of different color lasers, and a digital light projector; and the deformable mirror includes an array of actuators, for deforming the deformable mirror in a segmented manner.
A progressive lens simulator is used to simulate the optical properties of progressive addition lenses (PALs), which provide varying focal power across different regions of the lens. The simulator helps designers and manufacturers test and optimize lens designs before physical production. The key challenge is accurately replicating the gradual power transitions and minimizing distortions in the simulated lens. The simulator includes a light source, a deformable mirror, and a control system. The light source can be an LED, a collection of different color LEDs, a laser, a collection of different color lasers, or a digital light projector, allowing for adjustable illumination to match different testing conditions. The deformable mirror, controlled by an array of actuators, deforms in a segmented manner to precisely shape the reflected light, simulating the progressive power changes of a PAL. The control system adjusts the mirror's surface to create the desired optical path, ensuring accurate simulation of the lens's performance. This segmented deformation allows for fine-tuned adjustments, reducing aberrations and improving the realism of the simulation. The system enables rapid prototyping and testing of progressive lens designs, enhancing efficiency in lens development.
16. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 1 , the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator comprising: a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) Actuated Mirror Array, including a light source, for generating and projecting a light, the light source including at least one of a LED, an LED group, a laser, a laser group, a scanning light source, and a digital light projector; and an array of actuatable mirrors, for reflecting the light in an actuatable manner.
This invention relates to a progressive lens simulator designed to simulate the optical effects of progressive lenses, which are used in eyeglasses to correct presbyopia by providing a gradual transition between different focal lengths. The simulator employs a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) actuated mirror array to dynamically adjust the path of light, mimicking the variable refractive properties of a progressive lens. The system includes a light source, which may be a single LED, a group of LEDs, a laser, a group of lasers, a scanning light source, or a digital light projector, to generate and project light. The light is then directed onto an array of actuatable mirrors, which can be individually controlled to reflect the light in a precise manner. By adjusting the angles of these mirrors, the system can simulate the progressive lens effect, allowing users to experience how different lens designs affect vision. This technology is useful for testing and optimizing progressive lens designs before manufacturing, ensuring better visual performance and comfort for users. The MEMS-based approach enables high-resolution adjustments, making the simulator versatile for various applications in optometry and lens manufacturing.
17. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 1 , the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator comprising: a Microlens Array Light Field System, including an Off-Axis Progressive Lens Simulator, for the generating the Off-Axis PLS; and a microlens array, for receiving the generated Off-Axis PLS, and for transmitting it as a divergently propagating light field, to simulate at least one of a progressive lens power in the eye axis direction, and a vergence related to the gaze distance.
A progressive lens simulator system is designed to simulate the optical properties of progressive lenses, which are used to correct presbyopia by providing varying focal lengths across the lens surface. The system addresses the challenge of accurately replicating the dynamic power changes and vergence effects of progressive lenses in a controlled environment, which is crucial for testing and optimizing lens designs. The simulator includes a microlens array light field system that generates an off-axis progressive lens simulation (PLS). This system produces a light field that mimics the progressive power distribution of a lens, particularly in the eye axis direction, which corresponds to the vertical alignment of the eye. The off-axis PLS is then transmitted through a microlens array, which diverges the light field to simulate the vergence changes associated with different gaze distances. This setup allows for the simulation of both the progressive lens power and the vergence effects, providing a realistic representation of how the lens would perform in real-world conditions. The system is particularly useful for evaluating lens performance under varying viewing angles and distances, ensuring accurate correction for presbyopia.
18. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 1 , the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator comprising: a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) Curved Mirror Array, including a light source, for generating and projecting a light, the light source including at least one of a LED, an LED group, a laser, a laser group, a scanning light source, and a digital light projector; and an array of curved mirrors, for reflecting the light to generate a vergence related to the gaze distance; wherein the curved mirrors include at least one of fixed mirrors and actuatable mirrors.
This invention relates to a progressive lens simulator designed to replicate the optical effects of progressive lenses, which are used to correct presbyopia by providing varying focal lengths across the lens surface. The simulator addresses the challenge of accurately simulating progressive lenses in a compact, adjustable system for testing, training, or research purposes. The system includes a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) Curved Mirror Array, which generates and projects light using a configurable light source. The light source may be a single LED, a group of LEDs, a laser, a laser group, a scanning light source, or a digital light projector. The light is directed onto an array of curved mirrors, which reflect the light to create vergence (the apparent convergence or divergence of light rays) corresponding to different gaze distances. The curved mirrors can be either fixed or actuatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the optical properties to simulate different progressive lens profiles. This design enables precise control over the simulated focal lengths, providing a versatile tool for evaluating progressive lens performance or training users in their use. The system's compact and adjustable nature makes it suitable for applications in optometry, vision research, and lens design.
19. The Progressive Lens Simulator of claim 1 , the Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator comprising: a LED Projector Array, including a LED array, controlled by control electrodes, for creating the Comprehensive PLS with a divergently propagating curved wavefront, for the simulating the progressive lens power in the eye axis direction, in combination with generating the Off-Axis progressive lens simulation.
Optical simulation technology. This invention addresses the problem of accurately simulating progressive lens power and off-axis progressive lens effects in an eye-axis direction. The apparatus includes a LED projector array. This LED projector array comprises a controllable LED array. The control electrodes are utilized to manage the LED array. The LED array is configured to generate a comprehensive progressive lens simulation. This simulation is characterized by a divergently propagating curved wavefront. The apparatus combines this wavefront generation with the simultaneous generation of an off-axis progressive lens simulation. This integrated system enables the simulation of progressive lens power along the eye axis in conjunction with off-axis progressive lens simulation.
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March 7, 2019
March 1, 2022
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